Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 82
A patient in the cardiac unit is concerned about the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis. Which of the following are hereditary risk factors for developing atherosclerosis?
A. Family history of heart disease
B. Overweight
C. Smoking
D. Age
Correct Answer: A. Family history of heart disease
Family history of heart disease is an inherited risk factor that is not subject to a lifestyle change. Having a first-degree relative with heart disease has been shown to significantly increase risk. ASCVD is multifactorial etiology. The most common risk factors include hypercholesterolemia (LDL-cholesterol), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, age (male older than 45 years and female older than 55 years), male gender, and strong family history (male relative younger than 55 years and female relative younger than 65 years).
Option B: Also, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, diets high in saturated and trans-fatty acids, and certain genetic mutations contribute to risk. While a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol is considered a risk factor, pharmacological therapy increasing HDL-cholesterol has yielded negative results raising concerns about the role of HDL in ASCVD.
Option C: Smoking is a risk factor that is subject to lifestyle change and can reduce risk significantly. For the most part atherosclerosis and its pathology can be prevented. All healthcare workers who look after patients should educate patients on the need to exercise regularly, discontinue smoking, maintain healthy body weight, eat a healthy diet, and remain compliant with the medications used to lower lipids.
Option D: Advancing age increases the risk of atherosclerosis but is not a hereditary factor. It has been reported that 75% of acute myocardial infarctions occur from plaque rupture and the highest incidence of plaque rupture was observed in men over 45 years; whereas, in women, the incidence increases beyond age 50 years.